Because of the slab size and the large bones, beef back ribs are sometimes referred to as “dinosaur ribs.” Back ribs are one of the least expensive cuts of beef. They are prized in the South as comfort food, though they are rarely seen in other parts of the country. If beef ribs are grilled hot and fast they will toughen up and require a good set of choppers to gnaw them off the bone. Braising is the most popular method to tenderize beef ribs. I cook my beef back ribs at a low temperature in a small amount of liquid for a long period of time. This cooking method produces very tender and juicy results, but without the crusty exterior of a grilled rib. While they can be browned on the stovetop over high heat, I brown the ribs in the outdoor cooker to heighten the barbecue flavor. This method approximates the effect of braising on the grill.

　　

Ingredients

serves 6

　　2 slabs beef back ribs

　　

Dry Rib

1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar

　　1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar

　　1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt

　　1 1/2 tablespoons paprika

　　3/4 teaspoon black pepper

　　1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

　　Soy Marinade (page 237)

　　

Braising Liquid

1 cup beef broth

　　2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

　　

Step 1

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. In a small bowl, add the dry rub ingredients, mix well, and set aside. Put the soy marinade in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Marinate the beef back ribs for 45 minutes in the soy marinade.

　　

Step 2

Build a fire (wood or a combination of charcoal and wood) for indirect cooking by situating the coals on only one side of the grill, leaving the other side void. Remove the ribs from the marinade, pat dry, and apply an even coat of the dry rub to all sides. Place the beef ribs on the cooker (bone side down) away from the coals, close the lid, and cook with indirect heat (approximately 250°F) for 2 hours.

　　

Step 3

Remove the ribs from the grill and place them in the center of a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, meat side facing down. In a small bowl, combine the beef broth and Worcestershire to make the braising liquid. Pour the braising liquid over the ribs and wrap tightly in the foil to trap the juices inside. Return the foil pack to the grill, close the lid, and cook for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until tender.

　　

Step 4

Let the beef rest in the foil for 15 minutes before serving.

　　

Cooking Method

Step 5

Indirect heat

　　

Suggested Wood

Step 6

Hickory, Oak, Mesquite

　　Big Bob Gibson's BBQ Book by Chris Lilly. Copyright © 2009 by Chris Lilly. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Vice president, executive chef, and partner of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, Chris Lilly oversees the two company-owned restaurants as well as their new chain of franchises.